Getting into the hobby / various wtc questions

[leegle]

Hi!

For some reason I want an RC sub. I’ve been doing a bit of reading and YouTube watching but because it seems ultra niche I’m struggling to find my way in. I’d like to build one, but the simplest one possible. With anything like this I prefer simplicity and no bells and whistles, but reasonable (not high end) quality.

I’ve watched a few Sub Guy vids and bought and skim read his book. Is that generally a pretty good entry point? Any alternatives widely accepted by the community?

What I’m looking at then is getting one of the suggested model subs and converting to RC by putting a wtc etc in it and hooking up the fins to servos etc.

Q1 - At this point I’m drawing a bit of a blank. Are there any widely esteemed conversion instructions or plans?

Q2 - I’ve looked into buying a wtc but really struggling to find a supplier that has stuff in stock- or even any supplier. Would like to start basic, which I understand means external connections are drive shaft and 2 servo linkages. Are there any suggested suppliers? Is it commonly accepted that building your own wtc is not for the faint hearted?

Q3 - If I decided to go crazy and build my own wtc it seems I could simplify by using waterproof servos and a waterproof brushless motor outside the wtc, then the only wrc interface points would be wires not bearings / linkages. Guessing there’s something major I’m not thinking of there.

Q4 - if I do build my own wtc, do I build or buy the ballast system? Do most people just buy a wtc and use the ballast system it comes with?

Q5 - Any recommended complete kits with everything/ most things included?

Anyway that’s a braindump of everything on my mind, thanks for any info!

Lee

[redboat219]

Some conversion guides

https://forum.rc-sub.com/forum/david-merriman-s-cabal-reports-etc/173106-merriman-cabal-report-download

[RCSubGuy]

Q1 - At this point I'm drawing a bit of a blank. Are there any widely esteemed conversion instructions or plans?

David Merriman has many, many "cabal reports" that go deeply into the process of conversion.

Q2 - I've looked into buying a wtc but really struggling to find a supplier that has stuff in stock- or even any supplier. Would like to start basic, which I understand means external connections are drive shaft and 2 servo linkages. Are there any suggested suppliers? Is it commonly accepted that building your own wtc is not for the faint hearted?

Many suppliers for WTCs: Nautilus Drydocks, R&R, Maximum Modellbau, OTW. Prices will range widely. Very few keep these units in stock. This is a small hobby with small suppliers. Not many have the resources or willingness to stock tens of thousands of dollars of cylinders. This is going to be a long process. Why are you complaining about a few weeks to wait for a tried, tested and true cylinder? Building your own is a bad idea. Period. End of story. If you don't have extensive experience with RC subs, you have nothing to go off of. Now, can you do it, given time talent and luck? Yes, of course. But do you want to risk losing your sub for your need to save a few dollars on the WTC?

Q3 - If I decided to go crazy and build my own wtc it seems I could simplify by using waterproof servos and a waterproof brushless motor outside the wtc, then the only wrc interface points would be wires not bearings / linkages. Guessing there's something major I'm not thinking of there.

Again.... don't. We certainly can't stop you, though. Do whatever you want. Waterproof servos are only rated to 1m depth. Keep that in mind. And you still need to waterproof all of the wire connections. You're not really helping much and you're spending $50/servo versus $7.

Q4 - if I do build my own wtc, do I build or buy the ballast system? Do most people just buy a wtc and use the ballast system it comes with?

Suppliers don't typically sell just bits and pieces of cylinders. It opens up a world of extra work as people looking to cut corners and save a few dollars end up calling or emailing a million times looking for step by step instructions on how to build their cylinder.

Q5 - Any recommended complete kits with everything/ most things included?

Maximus or Engel. Get out your wallet.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Lee,

What, specifically, is your r/c vehicle experience? Can you scratch build wood, plastics, and metal: Can you solder? Do you have an adequately stocked, dedicated, working space? Do you have the cash to play this game? Do you have the patience to suffer a long deferment of task accomplishment as you build/assemble/blunder/ along the road from start to finish? Are you an adult???

R/C SUBMARINING IS NOT AN ENTRY-LEVEL ACTIVITY!!!!!!

What r/c chops do you currently possess?

David
The Horrible

[biggsgolf]

From my experience, I would suggest R&R Cylinders, and maybe MAXIMUS-Modellbau or rcShipyard. Where will you run this Sub?, fresh water, salt water, chlorinated pool, or saltwater pool? Do you have a 3D printer?

[redboat219]

Nautilus Drydocks Easy Driver 200-300.